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Join the 2016 JASON Argonaut Team!

JASON Learning is seeking a diverse, creative, and adventurous group of students and educators to venture into the field to conduct research with JASON scientists and engineers. Are you or someone you know up to the challenge of becoming one of our next JASON Argonauts?

As a JASON Argonaut you will embark on a life-changing journey, working side-by-side with scientists and engineers in the field. Student and Teacher Argonauts will spend anywhere from 3-10 days in the field during the summer or fall of 2016, depending on the expedition they are selected to participate in. Argonauts serve as ambassadors and role models for the JASON community, and may participate in speaking events related to the program before and after their field experience.

JASON Learning, with generous support from the Argonaut Program's sponsors, covers expenses for all related lodging, food, programming, and equipment costs related to the Argonaut experience.

Possess excellent communication skills and are comfortable in front of a crowd, or a camera

Exhibit an eagerness to participate in field activities which may be outdoors and/or strenuous in nature. Activities, locations, or conditions may include, but are not limited to:

Swimming

Snorkeling

Rock climbing

Extensive hiking/backpacking

Underground exploration (caves or mines)

Small/confined spaces

Heights

Adverse weather conditions (temperature extremes, rain, wind, etc.)

Interesting critters

A variety of lodging possibilities, including dormitory-style, camping, and others

Currently possess or can obtain a passport if selected for travel to an international expedition location

Have ideally used JASON and/or its Immersion Learning program in an educational setting

We're looking for students who will be between the ages of 13-17 years old as of June 1, 2016.

For teachers, we prefer five or more years of experience working with students, and that you plan to continue working as an educator in the 2016-2017 school year (the school year following your JASON expedition) so as to be able to bring the value of your Argonaut experience back to your classroom.

How Do I Apply?

Additional instructions, downloadable forms, and the online application system for Student and Teacher Argonaut candidates can be found via these links:

Program Timeline

Selected Argonauts will be notified and will begin preparing for their expeditions in late spring, 2016

Argonaut teams will participate in their expeditions in summer and fall, 2016

FAQ's

How much does this cost?JASON covers expenses for all related lodging, food, programming, and equipment costs related to the Argonaut experience.

Are there any volunteer opportunities related to the Argonaut Program?At the present time we are not looking for volunteers for the Argonaut Program. If you're interested in volunteering for JASON in other ways, please contact us at info@jason.org.

Where are you going, and when?Dates and locations are still being finalized, and we have not yet made them public. That said, there is a high likelihood that there will be two summer expeditions, probably in the August 2016 timeframe, and one fall expedition, probably in October 2016.

Do students and teachers go on these expeditions together?Yes, Student and Teacher Argonauts travel and work together on the expeditions.

How many teachers and students will be chosen?We're expecting an overall team of roughly 15-20 students and 15-20 teachers. The final team size will depend on available funding.

How long does an expedition last?
Expedition length varies by trip, location, travel logistics, and time of year. Some are 3-4 days, others are 7-10 days.

I'm a homeschooled student. Am I eligible to apply?Yes!

I'm a homeschool teacher. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes!

I don't live in the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes!

Can a parent and child apply together?
Parents (assuming they are an educator) and their child can apply for consideration in the same year, but their applications will be reviewed individually, not as a pair.

Can a teacher and a student apply together?Teachers and their students can apply for consideration in the same year, but their applications will be reviewed individually, not as a pair.

What does it mean to be an "Argonaut sponsor?"
There are two components of the Argonaut program that we refer to as "sponsorship." We admit that can be a bit confusing, but it's the best word we could find so far for both cases.

The first type refers to "sponsoring an Argonaut spot on the team." A school or district could do this, or a corporate sponsor, or other entity that is willing to cover the expenses related to that spot. The sponsor's Argo spot will be represented by a candidate from their designated pool of applicants, and the sponsor is typically involved in the selection process for that spot.

The second type refers to "an adult sponsor supporting the Argonaut candidate as they go through the application process" (and beyond, if the student is selected). There is no financial obligation for the adult sponsor. It can be a parent or guardian, or a supportive teacher, coach or other adult in the student's life.

"Being a JASON Argonaut is hands-down the highlight of my life to date. I now view science in an incredibly different way. It is real and exciting! I not only learned a great deal about the science of geology, but I learned to be more open-minded and the importance of asking questions and searching for answers. I met inspiring people who share an amazing passion for science. I am honored to be a part of something that challenges kids to bring out their full potential and opens their minds to the wonders of this magnificent planet!"